Being present at a trade show puts you directly in contact with your customers. There is no better way to communicate with potential customers than to be directly in front of them with face to face interaction. Even then, your marketing skills are put to the test.

You want to do something that draws a crowd to your trade show booth and make sure they see you and are interested in what you have to offer. How can you be sure to draw the attention of potential customers?

A great display booth can make all the difference. Today, we will present a few tips and trick to have a high quality convention booth display at your next trade show that draws in customers.

Eye Catching Graphics – Obviously, if you have a convention booth display, there will be a lot of people around you with the same goal, to draw attention. The best way to do this is with graphics that stand out. Use high-resolution images and graphics to give you a great exhibit design. Use pop-up displays, banners, booth wraps, tabletop displays, large-format posters, and even backlit signage to catch attention. Remember to use bold images and large font that is easy to read so people attending the trade show can read it from across the show floor.

Customization – You won’t stand out if you don’t add some customization to your trade show display in some way. Include the name of the show you are attending. Adjust the copy and images of your displays for the event and the audience expected to attend. Make changes to promotions you offer based on your audience. The goal is to make each show you attend a little unique so a new audience gets drawn to you.

Drive Attendance – If you are making a trade show appearance soon, promote it by using direct mail. Print flyers and include personalized URLs so people can easily make appointments, register for events, or claim incentives.

Present Measurables – Once you are set up and a trade show begins, how can you track if you are having success? Give out promotion codes, scan barcodes for promotions, or give out business cards to track the attendance at your booth. This will help you not only see how well you did at a specific show but also which marketing methods worked the best for you.

Follow Up with Contacts – Once you have connected with an attendee at a trade show, don’t forget about them. Follow up with them shortly after the trade show to see if there is the potential for business. You put in the work to get them to visit your convention booth display, so don’t let them just walk away without attempting more contact.

Get ready for your next trade show with all the materials you need from TradeShowPlus. At any trade show, you only have one chance to make a great first impression and stand out from the crowd to draw people to your business. Whether it is an elaborate booth design or a simple portable trade show display, we have what you need to put together a great exhibit.

With trade show display products ranging in size and style, you can have a unique set-up at your next trade show with our selection and ability to customize for any business. We want to make your trade show exhibiting experience a great one with the right products to help you gain an audience.

With our goal being the highest quality and most up-to-date selection, we have spent 16 years in the industry to build our expertise, so you can rely on TradeShowPlus to not only provide you with a quality product, but also the knowledge and advice to select the right product for you. Our collection of custom modular displays comes in a variety of styles from the most cutting-edge in the industry to traditional displays.

In addition, we know how important display accessories can be. If you need hanging structures, retractable banner stands, lighting solutions or anything else to compliment your display, we have you covered.

We also want to make uploading your custom artwork quick and easy. You will find that checkout is easy to navigate and that it is easy to relay the customization you want for your convention booth display. Our in-house graphics team specialized in designing for large 3D trade show display surfaces, so you can trust us to give you the finest graphics that are sure to stand out.

So get ready to stand out at your next trade show with the supplies, materials, displays, and customization options from TradeShowPlus. We are dedicated to every order so you can create a lasting impression with your audience at your next trade show event. Browse our products and get yours, today!

Although trade shows are great for bringing attention to your brand, we all know how hard it can be to encourage your prospect to go ahead and make a decision. Creating a sense of urgency can be hard when it comes to trade shows because you’re forced to have a face-to-face conversation rather than adding a simple “sign up today” at the end of your sentence. If you’re not sure how to create a sense of urgency​ without seeming like the overly pushy salesperson, here are some ways to get your prospect to make a decision then and there:

Get to know them

Even though it may take a bit of time, getting to know your prospect will give you the upper hand in the long run. By getting to know where your potential customers’ work, what they’re looking for, and why they could be interested in your product or service, you’ll be able to cater your pitch directly toward their needs. The key to getting people to make a decision about your product quickly is to create a solution to their problems. In order to get an idea of what they’re looking for and need, you’re going to need to get a good sense of who they are. A strong start almost always guides the way to a sure-fire sell.

Stay away from pushy language

When you’re preparing for your sales pitch, it’s always good to be conscious of the language you’re using. To ensure you’re not being too pushy and artificial, stay away from phrases such as “now” and “today.” Although those are great for creating urgency on limited time offers, simply telling potential customers that they should buy today may come off sounding a little too pushy.

Instead of using commanding words, it’s better to use phrases that create a sense of urgency for the customers to solve their specific problem. Altering your language to focus on helping them solve their problems faster rather than simply trying to sell your product will undoubtedly create a sense of trust as well as urgency. With this tactic, they’ll see you more as someone there to help rather than sell.

Create a sense of security

People trust real-life experiences more than an overly rehearsed sales pitch. One of the best ways to get people to make a decision fast is by incorporating any real-life experiences (either of your own or someone you know) that relate to their situation.

Let’s say a customer is concerned about buying an automated vacuum because he or she owns a dog or cat. However, you have a friend who owns a dog who also shared the same concern and had no problem at all. In fact, the friend of yours actually had a great experience because it ended up doubling as a toy. Stories like these are great to mention not only because it shows the customer that you understand the concern, but it also debunks any doubts he or she may have in a more realistic manner compared to simply stating facts.

The truth of the matter is that people like to feel as though their concerns are taken into consideration. Using the experiences of past customers, friends or even yourself can help erase any doubts or concerns they may have about the product or service and how it may effect their personal lifestyle. When it comes to making a quick decision, relatability is a big way to get the customer to really delve into trying your product.

Get a feel for where they stand

No matter how well your sales pitch may have gone, it can still be tough to see what is going through the prospect’s mind. Slight nods and smiles can mean anything from “I’m ready to buy” to “I don’t believe a single thing.” To be completely sure of where the prospect stands, it’s nice to have an upfront, honest conversation about his or her thoughts on the situation.

If, for example, money is an issue, creating a custom payment plan will show the customer you are dedicated to truly helping him or her. You’ll often find that an easily fixable concern can stop the customer from making a quick decision. Being open and honest is one of the best ways to get things moving.

When it comes to making decisions, we all know how hard it can be to make a quick one. Big or small, any decision requires consideration; the more information, the better. In order to seal the deal with potential customers, put yourself in their shoes. Instead of focusing on your goal and your product, put yourself in a situation to help them fix their problems. Once you do that, the rest will flow naturally.

You’ve done months of preparation. You’ve drawn in the crowds. Your trade show setup looks great. And you’ve made it – at last – to the final day of the event. To put it lightly, you’re fading. While it may be tempting, don’t let yourself slow down on this last day when you’ve made it this far. If you don’t think the last day is worth much, think again – and read on to learn why it’s so important for you to keep up your hard work for just a little longer!

The stragglers can be just as interested as the prompt attendees. Just because they’re passing by your booth on the last day doesn’t make them any less interested than those who pass by on the first.

Some of those “stragglers” might not have actually been at the trade show for the first two days – perhaps Day 3 was the only day that worked with their schedule.

For large trade show events, it may take three days for attendees to make the rounds to all the booths. This means that the impression they get of yours (even on that final day) will be the first one – and first impressions last.

Your feelings will likely be obvious to passersby, who will be able to tell from your body language and attitude that you’ve mentally checked out. Whether they’ve visited your stand before or it’s their first time seeing it, that impression isn’t going to be a positive one for you – or for your company.

People who hang around until the last day of a trade show often have a bit more time than on the other days when there are often more events happening. Use this to your advantage by engaging with people. You’ll be able to go into more detail than otherwise about your products or services and provide a clearer picture of what it is you’re offering.

For any attendees you’ve met already, they’ve had some time to mull over the conversations they’ve had at the event – and may have developed some questions about what you discussed with them. Or, perhaps they’re comparing what you’re offering with one of your competitors at the trade show. Either way, be sure you’re at the top of your game to answer any questions and explain what you have that perhaps your competitor doesn’t (which may simply be a presence on Day 3 – and that can be enough!).

Bonus Tip: Your feet are probably aching by Day 3 – but not if you bring two pairs of shoes to wear! Alternate shoes every other day, and you’ll find some relief so you can focus on what’s important instead of trying to hide the fact that you’re in pain.

To put it short, you never know when that golden opportunity will strike – but it could very well be in the last five minutes of the last day of your trade show. So, follow these trade show tips and don’t give up the ship a minute too early, or you could miss out!

Millennials are defined as the generation of people born between the early 1980s and mid-1990s. Naturally, this generation is getting older and already make up a significant portion of today’s workforce. It is only logical, then, to factor in millennial tendencies and preferences when strategizing your next trade show event in order to capture this growing audience.

The majority of millennials report being more comfortable with online interactions than with in-person meetings when speaking to people they don’t know. When it comes to trade shows, including this piece of information in your overall strategy can make or break your business’ success at the event. Regardless of your industry, attracting millennials to your booth is a matter of pertinence – and with these tips, it is possible for any business.

Make It Digitally Interactive

Whether you’re selling brooms or software, you’ll want to include an interactive digital component in your trade show display when you target millennials. While generations of the past judged a business largely on the faces smiling back at them from the other side of the table, today’s digital natives are looking less at those faces and more at the screens around them as they decide whether to stop and learn more or keep walking.

Creating the opportunity for passersby to engage with your product – or a simulation of it – within the digital realm will improve the likelihood that you’ll catch their attention to check out what you have to offer, and perhaps strike up a conversation with you about it. (Or, more likely, they’ll take a snap of themselves at your booth for their friends to admire.)

If this isn’t an option for you, there are a few simple features you can offer within your booth:

Provide charging stations

Give free Wi-Fi access

Facilitate making connections on social media channels

Stay on Top of Your Business’ Social Media Channels

Updating visual content across your social media channels should be on your radar all the time – but during a trade show, it should be a top priority. Your young audience will be tuned in to everything you do there, and it’s a surefire way to get more people talking about your brand. No matter how many business cards you hand out, it will be hard to reach the same number of eyes as you have the potential to on social media.

Keep each one of your channels up-to-date with fun photos of the event, information about upcoming event activities or presentations, and competitions to engage your audience. Creating a simple, customized hashtag will also allow the word to spread. And don’t forget to include the overall trade show hashtag in all your posts, too!

Host Networking Events

The word networking makes many people cringe, regardless of their generation. And we’ve just covered the fact that millennials would rather interact digitally than in person. However, trade shows are largely about those face-to-face interactions, whether with peers or industry experts, and millennials know that as much as anyone else. That’s why hosting an event to facilitate these discussions will bring your business to top of mind and distinguish you from the sea of other booths.

Go as basic or creative as you’d like, whether you host a cocktail party or a craft making workshop (ideally, choose something that relates to the trade show’s focus). But offering a forum to facilitate discussion is going to create a literal buzz around your booth – and interest in your business, too!

When it comes to creating a trade show strategy, are you already marketing to millennials? If so, what are you doing? We’d love to hear in the comments below!

Anyone who has been to a trade show knows this familiar scene: one booth is vibrant and bustling with a crowd, while the booth next to it doesn’t draw a single person except a few bored looking employees staring into space. What gives? The answer is a bit more complicated than having the right product or a good display – it’s all about finding a successful trade show strategy.

Participating in a trade show is an investment, taking up a large portion of most company budgets. If you’re going to do a trade show, it’s important to do it right – and that starts with an excellent strategy. Planning your approach is absolutely key to making the event as effective as possible. Here are a few tips for developing the right strategy so your trade show is worth the investment.

Plan & Prepare

Trade show regulars will tell you that it’s important to register for a trade show far in advance to guarantee a good spot. While this is definitely true, don’t make the common mistake of registering and forgetting. Companies frequently do this, pushing all prep until the last minute and throwing together a so-so trade show.

Your prep should begin right after you register. Start with setting goals: What do we want to accomplish at this trade show? What is our purpose for being at this trade show? Who do we want to talk to at this trade show? Be as specific as possible so your employees have a clear idea about their mission. Everything you do at your trade show should tie back to your original goals. And don’t forget to book flights and hotel rooms for your employees! Waiting until the last minute will usually drive up costs for less-than-ideal options.

Spread the Word

Get the buzz going! Let your current contacts and prospective customers know about your upcoming event to get people excited. With the internet and social media, doing this is easier than ever and almost always free. You could host a webinar on Facebook live, tweet updates on your progress, send out a promotional email or write some exciting new blog posts. The goal is to give your network a good reason to show up to your booth. Hone in on what’s exciting and new about your event that customers shouldn’t miss.

Booth Design Is Key

The last step in preparation couldn’t be more crucial – booth design. Start by making sure you get a prime location at the trade show. While these spots usually cost more, they are also larger and in high-traffic areas. Obtain the exact dimensions, lighting access, and other information pertaining to your space, as this will determine the design of your booth.

Once you’ve got your space locked down, focus on creating a design that will draw people in instantly. You only have a few short seconds to show customers who you are and what you offer, so use your space wisely. Eye-catching graphics, videos and demonstrations are just a few ideas. Avoid placing a table across the entrance to your booth as this tends to close people off.

Engage, Engage, Engage

You made it to the trade show – congrats! Now it’s time to perform. It’s not enough to just have employees present at the trade show. Pick the friendliest, most energetic and most engaging people you have to work your booth. They should be eager to talk to attendees without being overbearing. Trade shows are stiff competition, and competing well is key. No sitting around or scrolling Instagram feeds. Again, this is a big investment of time, money and resources – every minute counts!

Follow Up

Once the trade show is over, you and your team are likely to be exhausted, but the work isn’t over after you’ve packed up your booth. If you want any of the leads you talked to during the show to become customers, you need to follow up as quickly as possible (ideally the next day, but at least within the week).

During the show, have your employees take brief notes on each lead. Chances are many other companies at the show are also following up with the same people, so it’s important to stand out. Including small personal details from your notes (without seeming creepy) will go a long way. Try to make an impression – maybe even make phone calls instead of sending out emails! These follow-ups are essential to making the most of your trade show.

Great trade show strategy isn’t just about what you do at the actual event. It’s about your preparation before, action during and follow-up after the event. Each of these phases is crucial to the other two, so don’t cut any corners! Follow these steps and you’ll be amazed at just how effective your trade shows can be.

Whether you’ve grown up attending trade shows your whole life or haven’t experienced a single one, putting on a trade show of your own is a lot more challenging than it appears to be. With everything from coordinating whom to hire to finalizing displays, the planning alone may feel a bit overwhelming. Luckily, learning from the mistakes of others is one of the best ways to get on top of your game. If you’re not sure how to make your tradeshow an absolute hit, take care to avoid these four common trade show mistakes:

1. Choosing the wrong show

One of the most common mistakes that people make is that they either choose the first trade show they see that’s somewhat related to what they do or they sign up for every show on the list. When mapping out which trade shows to attend, remember: quality is always better than quantity. Sure, any show can help you stand out, but you probably won’t have much success getting people interested in your custom BBQ sauce if it’s a trade show focused on improving the environment.

The same goes for attending the biggest and most popular tradeshows. If your company is on the small side, a top trade show could get your name out there. However, your name could also get lost among the big box companies. Before choosing the first trade show that pops up, research which other companies are attending. You want to make sure the trade show is going to directly help your business goals and not waste your time and resources.

2. Hiring the wrong spokespeople

The people manning your booth are responsible for not only selling your product but also for representing your brand. Whom you choose will directly impact how successful your trade show experience is. One of the best ways to make sure that someone will represent your brand well is by choosing someone who knows a lot about your business/product – and truly believes in it.

A common mistake that most people make when hiring people to represent their company is that they simply go with the people with good communication skills. Although communication is very important, finding someone who loves your business/product ensures their pitch won’t sound fake or rehearsed. In a place where everyone is trying to sell, authenticity will go a long way and help you stand out from the others.

3. Talking more than selling

Building relationships with customers is a big part of running a business – but keep in mind that your ultimate goal is to get people to believe in your product. It’s easy to get caught up in creating relationships with consumers, and it’s not necessarily a waste of time; just make sure those relationships include your products or service. At the end of the day, the consumer should feel a genuine connection with the company as a whole.

4. Not having a definite goal

Another big mistake in preparing for a trade show is failing to make a concrete goal. Whether it’s setting a number for the email addresses retrieved or reaching a certain number of social media follows, deciding on a clear goal is a critical component of having a successful trade show. Simply setting a vague goal such as “increasing customer base” or “improving brand awareness” without attaching measurable metrics to it is not very effective.

Having a specific, concrete goal will not only motivate the company to strive for an actual number but also allow you to target certain areas in your business model that you want to improve. For example, if there’s a lack of awareness about the function of the product, it would be a good goal to have a certain increase of viewers on your YouTube channel for demos. That way, your goal can help tackle the root of the problem. The data you collect during the show will determine what was accomplished – and what to work on improving for your next show.

When it comes to having a successful trade show, there are a lot of things that could go wrong. However, by coming in fully armed with a good sense of what to do and what not to do, you’re setting yourself up for success. Now that trade show planners know what not to do, you’re already one step ahead of the game.

While business cards may seem like an optional addition to your trade show, if done right, they can be very significant to your success at the event. This small detail can not only expand your business but also keep your company’s name at the top of potential clients’ minds. Whether you’re making your own business cards or having them made, make sure to read through these tips on integrating them into your trade show.

The Design

The key idea here is: the simpler the card, the better. More often than not, business cards are the last step to hooking a client to your company. Rather than being a promotional tool used to convince the potential customer to try out your brand, they are used as an informational note to help the customer reach out to your brand when they decide to do so. With this in mind, it makes sense that the best route to go when designing your business card is to make sure that it is clean, clear and easy to read.

What To Include

The best business card designs will have the least amount of information. Since most people just want to quickly find the information they need, a simple phone number, address and email in addition to your company name and logo should be more than enough. Anything else will just act as clutter, which may lead to people not bothering to read through the card at all.

Font

What you have to say is extremely important, but how you say it can make or break the success of your business card. When it comes to font, choose one that is clear and easy to read. While fancy cursive fonts may seem to be aesthetically appealing, unless the font is part of your company logo, we advise staying away from these types as they can be hard to read.

Color Scheme

When it comes to color, it’s best to stick to no more than two or three colors. Maintain a simple color scheme, in line with the simple design, to keep people from getting a headache. You may use color to emphasize certain bits of information on your card and to help it stand out from the others in your client’s stack.

Pictures

Pictures on a business card provide a visual for your company that people can later use to remember you and your business. While most attendees will have seen your logo, it’s easy for logos to blend together after visiting dozens of booths. A picture will provide more context and better differentiate your brand. Be careful when choosing a photo to include, as it will represent your brand when you’re not there to do so. The picture should be intertwined with either your brand name or the essence of your business for easy recognition.

The Presentation

While the design of your business card is a key component to its success, how you integrate it into your trade show is equally critical. You want to stand out from the dozens of other businesses that a person might interact with at the event. Your business card should be the link between the conversation you have with potential clients and their taking steps to follow up with you.

Hand It to Them

Although this may seem obvious, you’d be surprised how many people just leave business cards on the table for others to grab. The truth is, it’s likely passersby won’t pick up your card for whatever reason. Get around this by putting the cards into their hands yourself so they’re more likely to associate it with the person behind it and not just a faceless advertisement for your business.

The handoff should be the closing statement to your pitch. Have a conversation with the person, and then present your business card as an invitation to reach out to you. By saying things such as “Don’t hesitate to call me for any questions” or “Here’s where you can find some more information,” it will make the customer feel as though he or she has the power to either begin or end this business relationship rather than being forced to listen.

Briefly Explain the Content

Accompany your handoff with a brief explanation of the information that is on the business card. Pointing to where the information on the card can be found will get the potential customer to actually look at the card itself, helping solidify the connection they make between it and your business.

Although business cards may seem like a thing of the past, they are in fact an important asset in creating long-term relationships with potential customers. A business card will not only provide a physical reminder of your company name, but it can also act as a personal invitation for the customer to get to know your brand. Even if it does end up at the bottom of a bag, at least you can say that you didn’t forget to hand out the invitation.

While having the perfect trade show display is an important part of a successful trade show booth, the person inside the booth is just as integral. At the end of the day, this person is responsible not only for selling your product or service but also for representing the image of your brand. While most people love a good product or service, they may change their minds if they get a negative first impression from the person representing your business. If you’re not sure how to find your perfect trade show booth host, read on for some qualities you’ll want the person to have.

Confident, Articulate & Knowledgeable

While it may seem obvious, it’s critical that the person inside your booth is able to speak up. Many people will pass by a booth unless they’re approached first. In order to draw the consumers in, you need a representative who isn’t afraid to approach individuals and pique their interest. You never want the person manning your booth to be shy or hesitant to reach out.

In addition, the face behind your booth should be someone who is both confident and articulate. He or she needs to be able to get your message across quickly and clearly – so you’ll also want the person to have in-depth knowledge about your business and products or services. When people are well-versed in what they’re saying, they won’t be as prone to ramble on and on, losing their audience’s attention. While your booth representative may not have every answer to questions that arise from trade show attendees, if the individual is confident and articulate, he or she will be sure to get the message across and make a lasting impression.

Believes in the Product/Service

The most convincing people are the ones who use the product or service themselves. This is one of the most overlooked qualities when looking for someone to man a trade show booth. When considering your options, be sure to choose someone who not only knows a lot about what you’re offering but also can truly advocate for it. Many companies make the mistake of hiring the person with the best resume without considering his or her knowledge or beliefs regarding the brand. Nothing beats the passion behind genuine interactions. Word-of-mouth is one of the most effective marketing tactics, so having someone with personal experience with your brand will make it that much more convincing, and his or her pitch will feel much more natural than a forced or staged speech.

Personable With a Sense of Humor

The truth of the matter is, what it takes to attract trade show attendees may be as simple as a friendly smile. The ideal trade show host should be personable and have a sense of humor. The individual shouldn’t simply come off as someone selling a product/service; he or she should feel like a friend who’s sharing the good news about a discovered brand. These charismatic people are exactly the type of people you want inside your booth.
The person you choose to man your trade show booth can have an enormous effect on the success of your business. Be sure to consider all your options, and think outside the box on who might best fit the bill. Keeping these qualities in mind when choosing your trade show staffing is sure to deliver a successful – and fun – trade show!

When it comes to engaging the modern-day consumer, trade shows are quickly growing as an effective way to not only introduce a product but also to sell it. While it is often easy to draw a customer in with just the right amount of eye contact and a friendly greeting, more often than not, most customers end up walking away empty-handed. Whether you’re advertising a service or a tangible product, here are some surefire ways to make sure you close the deal right then and there.

Create a personal need for the product

The truth of the matter is that most people won’t consider buying a product unless it caters to some sort of personal need or desire. Before introducing the product, it’s important to make sure that you start by getting to know the person you’re trying to sell the product to. While you won’t need to have a lengthy, in-depth conversation with each person, you should try to get a sense of what general demographic he or she falls under. Even simply knowing the individual’s age can give you a good idea of what he or she may need or want.

Now you have the opportunity to focus more on the properties of the product that will interest that particular person. First interactions often set the course for the rest of the encounter, so it’s important to remember that you want to convince your potential customer that he or she will benefit from the product rather than simply entertaining the individual with information.

Include the customer in the demonstration

As we move toward a more fast-paced society, one of the most effective ways to hold a person’s attention is with a physical, interactive demonstration. Allowing the customer to engage with the product allows you to directly show the impact it will make on personal lives. It’s easy to forget simple words, but it’s harder to forget an actual experience.

This is also a great opportunity to show the customer the authenticity of your brand and product. It’s hard to believe things you can’t see, but who will deny something watched personally? A good demonstration will eliminate all doubts that the customer may have about the product, which will increase the probability of purchase.

Be personable and genuine

One thing to remember when selling a product is to keep in mind that you are not only asking the customer to trust the product but also to trust you. Word of mouth is one of the leading ways that a product gets buzz, because people trust the opinions of others. With this in mind, make sure to present yourself to the customer as a friend rather than a salesperson. Be honest about the limitations of the product, but highlight the need for it despite the limitations. No one will believe a salesperson who goes on and on about the perfect product, but people are more inclined to trust those who don’t hold back the truth. One way to do this is by stating why the product may not be the best for a different demographic of people but perfect for those fitting the customer’s. This lets the customer know that your brand is honest and aware of the fact that this product is not for everyone. Don’t simply sell the product – sell the brand behind it.

Make the purchase easy

The key to selling a product is giving the impression that the customer is not taking a risk. Make the customer think, “Why not?” A trade show offers the perfect opportunity for this because it allows you to immediately answer all the questions someone may have about the product. Since trade shows almost always offer demonstrations as well as a physical person to answer any questions or address any doubts that a customer may have, it makes for a greater likelihood of an instant purchase.

The main reason that shoppers spend so much time doing research before making a purchase is because the digital world lacks the physical assurance that people naturally desire. Most people need someone there to personally assure them that not only is there no harm in simply making the purchase now but also that it may be easier than purchasing later. It’s now or never, right?

While trade shows are great for increasing brand awareness, most companies don’t realize that this is also a great opportunity to make direct sales. There’s no doubt that the world is quickly moving toward a more digital platform, but even the most complex technological advances cannot compete with real interactions with real people. At the end of the day, people are most likely to believe in a product they can experience themselves, so make the most of your next trade show with the right sales-closing strategies!

Trade shows are an excellent way to connect with your audience and raise awareness about your business. We know that with the right booth, message, staff and materials, your brand can rule the show. But what if your impact could stretch beyond the confines of the trade show time frame? Now, with social media, the potential to make waves at your next trade show is bigger than ever. This guide will show you how to maximize the impact of your trade show marketing through social media, from before it has even started to well after the booths come down, by using the right strategies and techniques.

Before: Generate Buzz

The most successful brands at trade shows achieve the most interactions and impressions by driving traffic to their booths. Give your potential customers plenty of time to get excited and plan for your trade show. In the weeks leading up to the event, activate your social media channels to generate as much buzz as possible. Create a public Facebook event announcing your presence at the show and highlighting some of the exciting new products you will be featuring. As the day draws closer, post on all social media channels regularly to give your customers a preview of what’s to come. Many trade shows now have their own event hashtag, so be sure to include that in all of your posts along with your company hashtag.

Finally, scrounge through your staff for the secret moviemaker and ask that person to create a teaser video about the product you’ll be showcasing at your event. Only do this if you have enough time – releasing a poorly made video will give customers a poor impression of your brand and have the opposite effect that you want it to. Make the video exciting, but keep it short so that it’s social media friendly and easy for your audience to share with friends.

During: Show Off

You’ve put in the time, money and effort to make your showing successful – now share it! Snapchat is a superb medium for posting live photos and videos of your booth, your product and your happy customers leaving with a purchase. This is also a great opportunity to ask your customers to give a short testimonial explaining why they’re excited about your product and share it with your followers (be sure to get their permission before you post).

Trade customer involvement on social media for a giveaway. Consider giving a small prize (maybe a coupon to purchase branded swag) to each customer who checks in on Facebook and lets their friends know they’re at your booth. If you don’t have time to throw together enough prizes for every consumer, purchase one big prize that will really excite attendees, and offer entrance in a raffle for one post about your product or event. When you announce the winner of the raffle, be sure to live stream the excitement on Facebook and Instagram!

After: Blog, Blog, Blog

Let your audience relive the excitement on your company blog. Include the videos, photos and positive customer feedback you collected at the show. Aim to follow up with customers who attended, and encourage those who did not make it to prioritize attending your next event. This is a great opportunity to utilize that Facebook event you created back before the show – post a link to your blog on the event wall to get maximum exposure to a relevant audience and drive traffic to your website. Be sure to include links to purchase your product online, if possible.

With these social media marketing strategies, you can turn an event that takes a few hours into a month-long (or longer!) promotional campaign at little cost to your company. Follow our blog for more trade show tips, including this guide to giveaways, and leave your ideas in the comments!